Impact of Tactile Stimulation on Anthropometric Measurements of Premature Infants in Assiut City

Abstract

Prematurity is a major health problem because it is a leading cause of infant mortality. The incidence of prematurity in the year 2010 was 42.8 % of the total admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Assiut University Hospital. Tactile stimulation is one of the sensory stimulation, it is important for early physical and mental growth of neonates. This study aims to assess impact of tactile stimulation on anthropometric measurements of premature infants in Assiut City. Subjects and Method: Quasiexperimental research design was utilized in this study. The study was conducted in the Neonatal The study subjects included a convenient sample of 50 premature infants. One tool was utilized to fulfill the aim of this study; anthropometric measurements Sheet. Results showed that the premature infants of the study had better anthropometric measurements, especially in weight gain. Although, no statistical significant differences were found between the study and the control groups regarding growth measurements, the percentages and means weight of premature infants who received tactile stimulation were higher than those who didn't receive such stimulation. It was concluded from the findings of the current study that premature infants who received tactile stimulation had better growth than those who did not receive it and had only the hospital usual care. Recommendations:Health care professionals should use the appropriate types of neonatal stimulation, e.g., tactile, visual, auditory or/and mixed stimulation to promote neonate's growth. Health care institutions, such as, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), should include the tactile stimulation as a usual care interventions for stable premature infants.

Effects of umbilical cord milking on premature neonates’ and mothers’ outcomes

“…[3,13] 1.1 Significance of the study Prematurity is one of the main health problems that lead to infant mortality. [14] It is responsible for a large number of admissions to NICU. Also, their body system immaturity puts them at a greater threat to developing neonatal complications and it may prone them to harms into adulthood.…”